AI-Generated Funeral Videos Offer Comfort, and Controversy, in Russia
“Don’t be sad. I am your guardian angel, goodbye!” says a soldier, killed in combat, as he waves to the viewer. Two white wings sprout from his back. He disappears in a flash of light. In Russia, artificial intelligence (AI) was already being used to find men to mobilize and to target enemy soldiers. Now, it’s also being used to revive recently deceased soldiers for a final farewell message to their loved ones.
These AI-generated funeral videos are gaining popularity among families of soldiers killed in the invasion of Ukraine. For a modest fee, the deceased can be depicted ascending into the heavens, transforming into a bird, or embracing their children. A simple animation using photographs of the deceased costs 1,400 rubles (15 euros). Adding phrases spoken in the deceased’s voice triples the price, while an “urgent order” will set you back 100 euros.
The idea originated with Anna Korableva, a 36-year-old photographer and videographer living in the small town of Kamensk-Uralsky, in the Ural region. Previously specializing in celebrating “happy events” (weddings, births, etc.), Korableva shifted her focus a few months ago to a new, timely niche. Since then, her agency has created dozens of “farewell clips,” several of which are published on her agency’s page.
A Chance Encounter Leads to a Booming Business
While exploring the possibilities offered by AI “neural networks” in the spring of 2025, the multimedia creator received an unexpected request. “I was contacted by a young woman I knew to create a video clip commemorating the death of her brother in combat [in Ukraine],” says Anna Korableva. “I offered to create the clip for free, on the condition that I could publish it on my page [on the social network vk.com]. A few weeks later, the clip had been viewed almost a million times, and I had received more than 500 requests.”
The Ethical Implications of Digital Afterlife
The rise of AI-generated funeral videos raises complex ethical questions. While some families find comfort in these digital representations of their loved ones, others may view them as exploitative or disrespectful. The ability to recreate a person’s likeness and voice after death blurs the lines between reality and simulation, prompting a debate about the boundaries of technology in grief and remembrance.
The Future of Mourning in the Digital Age
As AI technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more sophisticated and personalized forms of digital mourning. From interactive memorials to virtual reality experiences, the possibilities are endless. However, it is important to consider the potential impact of these technologies on our understanding of death, grief, and the human connection.
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